Heading into the 2025–26 NHL season, Patrik Laine can feel the buzz growing around him. Entering a contract year with the Montreal Canadiens, all eyes in the city are on him to produce and earn a new deal. However, the experienced forward has now made the atmosphere tense with a powerful confession.

Laine knows his production in the upcoming NHL season will define his future in the league. Montreal will carefully evaluate his performance, but so will the rest of the franchises. If Laine puts on a show, there will be no shortage of suitors when the 27-year-old winger becomes an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in the summer. That is, of course, if the Habs don’t ink him to an extension before July 1st.

While the Canadiens feature a young lineup filled with talents who can play in the top units, Laine’s best sets a ceiling too high for others to reach. The question lies on whether he can maintain such level of play throughout the season and avoid injuries. So far in his career, his luck hasn’t been as lavish. But it could change soon.

Confidence is key

Regardless, Laine is confident in himself and in the Canadiens to meet—and exceed—expectations. Such is the level of confidence the Finn is riding that he dropped a firm statement, almost warning the Habs about the near future.

Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets attends the 2017 NHL Awards at T-Mobile Arena on June 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets attends the 2017 NHL Awards at T-Mobile Arena on June 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“It’s a little different from what I’m used to,” Laine told Finnish site Helsingin Sanomat. “Before, I’ve always just gone to whoever owns my rights. Next summer, I get to decide for myself. It’s a nice and great situation.”

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For the first time in his career, Laine could become an UFA. While some might tremble at such an uncertain horizon, the Finnish forward smiles at the opportunity. The Habs will face a tough decision at the end of next season—Laine’s salary is impossible to overlook. But there might be a way to keep him around with a cap-friendlier deal.

Thrive in the limelight

Although Laine will enter uncharted territory in the 2025-26 NHL season, in a way it almost feels like the Habs’ winger has been here before. It’s an odd feeling, undoubtedly. Déjà vu-esque, if you will.

“It seems to me that it doesn’t matter whether I have six years left on my contract or a UFA season, there are still trade rumors,” Laine admitted. “But let’s go have fun. That’s where the successes come from, when you do the work and the team wins.”

Patrik Laine #92 of the Montreal Canadiens arrives for the game against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on March 30, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

Patrik Laine #92 of the Montreal Canadiens arrives for the game against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on March 30, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

Putting in the work

“I’ve been able to train well and, above all, be healthy for the first time in a long time,” Laine stated. “It’s been a big thing now that I haven’t had to struggle with minor injuries or other challenges. Since the beginning of July, I’ve been on the ice almost every day.”

SurveyWhere would you like Laine to sign his next contract?

Where would you like Laine to sign his next contract?

While confident, Laine isn’t leaving anything to chance. When the puck drops in October, he hopes to be at his best physical capacity to help out both the Canadiens and himself. At the end of the day, a contract year means a player must put himself first in certain situations.